Whether you’re an educator structuring an engaging curriculum for your English language learners (ELLs) or you’re thinking about checking an item off of your bucket list by learning a second language, one thing is for sure—mastering a new language isn’t for the faint of heart. 

From language-learning apps to one-on-one lessons with a personal tutor, adults often choose the mode of learning that’s most effective for them. Students in the classroom, however, aren’t always as lucky. Moving to a new country with new customs, cultural differences, and a completely different language is often disorienting and can make for an arduous learning experience. This begs the question—what challenges do ESL students face?  

Below, we discuss four difficulties many ESL learners encounter and review some tips for creating an inclusive learning environment for everyone. 

#1 Limited English Proficiency 

Many students who move to the United States have little to no background in speaking English. When they’re thrust into a classroom that uses an entirely different vocabulary, it can be both stressful and difficult to understand or communicate effectively. 

#2 A Lack of Self-Confidence and Motivation 

It’s common for students to experience frustration as they strive to master the new words, pronunciation, grammar, and syntax associated with a new language. As such, it’s not uncommon for them to become discouraged and fear making mistakes or embarrassing themselves in front of their peers. That’s why it’s essential to motivate and encourage students learning new languages during every step of their journey. 

#3 Varying Proficiency Levels 

Within any classroom, there are often a variety of ELLs: students brand new to the language, mid-level learners, and nearly proficient speakers. New students are more likely to feel self-conscious while testing their new abilities, while the highest-level learners may feel like they have mastered the language and can focus their efforts elsewhere. 

With differentiated materials and multiple modes of learning available, it becomes easier to provide each learner with content that will challenge them appropriately and increase their proficiency in vocabulary, grammar, and overall comprehension. 

#4 Limited Educational Support 

With a growing number of ESL students in the classroom comes an increased need for ESL teachers. Without proper support, these students are more likely to experience an achievement gap compared to students that are native English speakers. ESL students may have difficulty comprehending course materials, feel excluded from class discussions, or feel unequipped to demonstrate their learning during assessments. 

Tips for Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment for ESL Students 

With approximately 10% of public-school students falling into the category of ELLs, it’s essential to incorporate effective strategies that enhance their ability to learn alongside their English-speaking peers. Below, we discuss a few helpful tips to promote learning for ELLs of all proficiency levels. 

Create a Welcoming Environment 

The first step to creating an effective learning environment for ELLs involves curating a safe classroom setting for each student. You can do this in a number of ways, including: 

  • offering individual assistance when possible. 
  • assigning a peer partner to help students translate and understand assignments and to provide a friendly face to make them feel more comfortable. 
  • finding opportunities to invite their culture into the classroom. 

Use Multimodal Instruction 

There’s never one “right way” to learn a new concept. So, when you incorporate multiple modes of instruction, your ELL students are more likely to find a strategy that helps them best absorb the material. 

Here are some multimodal learning strategies to consider adding to your lesson plans: 

  • Visual: Incorporate visual aids and graphic organizers. 
  • Auditory: Read passages out loud and use videos to reiterate content. 
  • Read/Write: Encourage note-taking and sort key concepts and vocabulary into lists. 
  • Kinesthetic: Use facial expressions and gestures to help explain concepts.  

Incorporate Scaffolded Learning 

Offering structure and support can go a long way in encouraging ELL students to work toward grasping new material. To do this, it’s helpful to break down complex assignments into smaller, easier-to-complete tasks. 

One strategy teachers often use to scaffold lessons into manageable chunks is called the gradual release method. This strategy utilizes three separate steps: 

  • Step 1: “I do.” The teacher will demonstrate how to complete a new concept while students observe. 
  • Step 2: “We do.” Next, the teacher and students will complete a similar task together. The task will include the same tasks they just learned during the “I do” portion of the method. 
  • Step 3: “You do.” Once students are more comfortable, teachers can “release” students to complete the task on their own to gauge which students have mastered the concept. 

Make a Difference for ELL Students From Around the World 

With the number of ELL learners in the U.S. rising from 4.5 million in 2010 to 5 million in 2020, ESL and bilingual educators are in high demand around the country. These educators give ESL students the best chance at learning a second language and feeling confident in school and beyond. 

At The University of Texas Permian Basin, you can level up your education and career with a Master of Arts in Bilingual/English as a Second Language (ESL) Education. You can complete this affordable and completely online 30-credit online program in as little as one year, and there are two concentrations to choose from: 

  • Master of Arts in Bilingual Education  
    Learn to explore cultural diversity, promote effective learning environments, and discover different perspectives on teaching and learning. 
  • Master of Arts in ESL Education  
    Develop, implement, and manage strategies for effectively teaching students whose native language is not English. 

Apply to UTPB’s bilingual/ESL education program today!